Was Blind, But Now I See

“Or do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived; neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor homosexuals, nor thieves, nor the covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor swindlers, will inherit the kingdom of God. Such were some of you; but you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and in the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11

In 1736, eleven-year-old John Newton went to sea on his father’s ship, beginning a life of rebellion and immorality. He often worked on slave ships, helping to sell slaves to wealthy landowners. An ambitious young man, Newton soon owned his own slave ship and was proud of his place in a bloody and cruel industry.

Only when his ship ran into a horrible storm and he feared for his life did he turn to God. In desperation he read a devotional about Christ. Newton came face to face for the first time with Jesus’ sacrificial love, and it changed his life. He eventually renounced the evil slave trade and became a powerful and bold minister. Years later, for his small congregation to sing, Newton penned the words to “Amazing Grace,” the moving story of his own conversion.

Newton realized that no crime is too big, no deed is too horrible, no thought is too wicked for Christ to forgive. His amazing grace covers all sin. When you accept His payment on the cross for your sin and make Him the Lord of your life, you are cleansed completely. Past failures no longer have a hold on your life. God washes old things away and makes you a new creation (2 Cor. 5:17).

“Tis grace hath brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” -John Newton